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Biggs Museum of American Art

Dover, DE

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Inside the Biggs Museum of American Art, where galleries span American creativity from colonial-era portraits to contemporary works. 📸 Biggs Museum of American Art

Biggs Museum of American Art
• Address: 406 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901
• State: Delaware
• Website: https://www.thebiggsmuseum.org/

Overview
Established in 1993 by collector Sewell C. Biggs, the Biggs Museum of American Art is one of Delaware’s cultural gems. Its three floors of galleries trace American art from the 1700s to today, with an emphasis on the Mid-Atlantic region. The collection is both rich and varied—portraits by the Peale family, sculptures by Hiram Powers, silver and furniture crafted in Delaware, and illustrations by N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, and Frank E. Schoonover. Contemporary works by artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, Peter Sculthorpe, and Edward Loper Sr. connect the past to the present, making every visit feel like a conversation across centuries.

Why It’s Worth a Stop
The Biggs strikes a rare balance between history and modernity. Visitors can wander through period rooms filled with decorative arts, then turn a corner to find bold new works by living artists. Its rotating exhibitions and frequent new acquisitions mean there’s always something different to see, while its educational programs make art accessible for all ages.

What to Know Before You Go

  • Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
  • Thanks to a partnership with Dover Federal Credit Union, admission is free for all visitors.
  • Located in downtown Dover, near Legislative Hall and other historic sites.
  • Special exhibitions rotate throughout the year—check the website for current features.

Fun Fact
The museum’s founder, Sewell C. Biggs, once lived above his private collection; his passion for art inspired him to share it with the public in a dedicated museum.